Okay, so I was having a conversation with my younger son on the way home from school the other day. They’re studying “origins” in his science class and he is beyond frustrated because he’s consistently hearing the term “billions of years” when referring to the age of the earth. Obviously, he is somewhat new to this arena and sees no issue with verbalizing his disagreement with his classmates and teacher on the age of the earth. He is presenting a strong argument when confronted with “look, it says ‘billions of years’ right here in our science book.” His response is bold and unapologetic. For those people who are claiming to be Christians, he’s boldly, yet politely steering them to the foundation of their faith (the Bible) in which case he will say that if you do the math, the earth’s age is in the thousands of years old. He’s met with blank stares, shaking heads, and has even received a “you can’t talk about the Bible in school” comment.

While he and I are working on softening his clear frustration with “you can’t talk about the Bible in school” comments, I was reminded of a larger struggle that many of us face today - not necessarily about discussions around the age of the earth and creation, but more about recognizing that when you stand with Jesus, you will be seen differently. You will be thought of differently. You will be heard differently. You will be different.

Are you prepared for that? I mean, REALLY prepared?

Jesus was pretty clear that “being different” was actually part of the norm for the Christian life. In fact, He said you will be blessed when you’re not only seen as different, but when you’re called out - made fun of - persecuted… all for His name’s sake. (Matthew 5:11)

Blessed? really? That doesn’t sound like a blessing to me. In fact, because I can tend to be a “people pleaser” if I don’t watch it, that sounds like torture to me. I’ve been seen as different most of my life for one reason or another, and while I’ve come to accept it, there are many that aren’t quite ready to be “that guy” or to be “that girl” who says those things, who posts those things on Facebook, who won’t watch this or won’t read that because we know it’s probably not the best choice if we’re trying to be more like Jesus.

But that doesn’t change what Jesus said. Let’s face it. He was human JUST like we are. The Bible is clear that He was tempted in ALL ways like we are - and that may even mean that there were times He just wanted to fit in instead of stand out… but by the strength of the Spirit, He didn’t cave. He set the example. He didn’t do it rudely, viciously, or proudly. He did it lovingly.

“Speak the truth in love…” (Ephesians 4:15) Jesus did it perfectly. He was reviled for His words. He was tortured for His words. BUT, He was also blessed for His words. How do I know? Where is He right now? yeah… I’d call that a blessing, wouldn’t you?

We can all learn a lesson from my 5th grader… and from Jesus. Being different isn’t going to always be fun. Sometimes it may hurt. But through that hurt, blessings will abound. How do I know? Jesus said so.